Domain Mapping not working correctly -- How do I test?

I have installed Domain Mapping Plugin on my multisite. I upgraded to a Business Account with Host Gator so I have a dedicated IP address.. I installed the Network with SUB-DIRECTORY settings.

I think I must be not understanding something here. I entered my dedicated IP address in the settings. I uploaded and installed the files correctly (added sunrise, etc.)

1. NOW, when using this plugin, does a user need to purchase their own separate domain name? And then enter this in their settings? OR can the just enter any domain name?

2. Does each user have to make A record and CNAME changes with their own domain account? Is that the only way? I just don't want to inconvenience the new users that aren't familiar with their hosting settings.

Comments 12

1. NOW, when using this plugin, does a user need to purchase their own separate domain name? And then enter this in their settings? OR can the just enter any domain name?

Yes they have to own a domain name, otherwise what domain would they map?

2. Does each user have to make A record and CNAME changes with their own domain account? Is that the only way? I just don't want to inconvenience the new users that aren't familiar with their hosting settings.

Just point their A record (as you are are sub-directory) to your IP address.
What we do is, if users don't know what they are doing, is log in to their domain registrar accounts (with their permission) and set it up for them.

If you're using your own dedicated IP, then you shouldn't have to add the domain in your account.

You can test this by adding some domains in your hosts file (see here for the location of this file) and then assigning these domains to a test site in your installation. Just make sure you later remove the test site from your installation AND the entries you made to your hosts file.

I am marking this issue as resolved.
If however you need any further assistance then don't hesitate to reopen it and post an update. :slight_smile:

To make things as easy for you, have your clients take care of entering their domain into Domain Mapping, but they must understand that they need to go to their host and change the DNS setting so that their A record points to your IP, not theirs. They should also have a CNAME for their www. with the value being their naked domain.

If they have a problem doing the above and you agree to host their domain, then use a parked domain on your multisite.

You should be fine to just wait for propagation. It's true that #1 is much easier, but down the line, it'll be nicer to understand how #2 works so you can sell the facility, but your clients do their own leg work. And then you won't have to bother with MX records and email stuff!

Sorry to hear that you are having trouble with this. Have you seen the tutorial that was written a few years ago? It may be useful for your to look at it from this perspective. There is also a video tutorial in there that might be helpful if you are more of a visual learner, like me. Have a look at these and let's see if you can't sort things that way. If still stuck, we'll connect again to go thru each step. Sound good?

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